Stop Pushing Through Midlife FatigueStop Pushing Through Midlife Fatigue
The Now What Society
Lane Kennedy and Tamar Routly talk candidly about midlife fatigue, burnout and why sober women may still feel exhausted despite doing everything “right”. They blend biology, hormones, habits and humour to share practical ways to protect energy and step away from constant overdoing.
35:36•26 Oct 2026
Stop Pushing Through: Midlife Fatigue, Burnout and Real Energy Fixes
Episode Overview
- Coffee, energy drinks and sheer willpower do not solve physical burnout; the body’s biology and recovery needs must be addressed.
- Mitochondria and falling oestrogen levels significantly affect energy, making options like HRT an important consideration for some women.
- Chasing dopamine through constant work, new projects and long hours creates “false energy” that can lead to serious depletion.
- Prioritising rest, shorter work blocks, clearer boundaries and supportive relationships helps rebuild genuine energy.
- Simple practices such as morning protein, proper hydration with minerals and regular connection with uplifting people can make a noticeable difference.
““Coffee’s not the magic bullet here… there’s some real stuff happening with the human body right now.””
Curious about how others cope with the challenges of staying sober and still feel utterly wiped out? This conversation on The Now What Society zooms in on midlife fatigue, burnout, and why coffee just isn’t cutting it anymore. Hosts Lane Kennedy and Tamar Routly bring a mix of humour and honesty as they talk about running on empty while juggling work, kids, ageing parents, and long to-do lists.
Tamar jokes about chasing dopamine hits through new projects and late-night ideas, while her body quietly waves a white flag. Lane cuts through the noise with science, explaining how “we are energy-burning machines” and why tired women are not just lazy or unmotivated, but often biologically depleted. You’ll hear them talk about mitochondria, hormone shifts, and why dropping oestrogen can feel like losing 30% of your energy overnight.
Lane shares her strong support for HRT and laughs about being snickered at by her obgyn, while Tamar celebrates that in her province some hormone support is now funded: “Thank you. Canadians. You’re so lucky.” Beyond the biology, they get real about boundaries, people-pleasing, and the cultural badge of honour around 10-hour workdays. Both describe how burnout forced them to rethink everything from their schedules to their friendships, prioritising rest, connection, and genuine laughter over constant productivity.
Simple, practical shifts show up too: eating protein in the morning instead of fasting, adding electrolytes to water, shortening work blocks, and actually saying no. This is especially aimed at sober, midlife women who feel like they’re doing “all the right things” but still collapsing on the sofa by 7 p.m.
If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s just you, or if your energy is quietly leaking out through overwork, caregiving, tech overload, and people who “suck the life right out of you,” this episode might be the nudge to ask: where is your energy going, and what would it look like to reclaim some of it today?
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